An ecoroof on the horizon? Portland is offering a new round of financial incentives . . .

If you've seriously considered adding an eco-roof to your home or business, now may be the time: the city is offering a new round of financial incentives. It's part of Portland's Grey to Green initiative to increase the infrastructure for storm water management since the vegetated roof systems help mitigate the problem posed by impervious pavement. They also protect sensitive natural areas, improve habitat and air quality and save energy.

The city will pay up to $5 a square foot for new ecoroof projects in Portland. (New ecoroof projects here typically cost between $5 and $20 a square foot.) Industrial, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects are all eligible. The city is taking applications through Wednesday, June 1 and will award the money this summer. The application packet can be found online or by calling 503-823-7914.

Since the city began offering incentives, it has approved just over $1.2 million for 123 projects, which resulted in 8.3 acres of new ecoroof. Portland currently has 280 ecoroofs covering more than 13 acres. The Grey to Green goal is to add 43 acres by 2013.